minsue
Gosling
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- Apr 27, 2002
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It takes a village to steal a car
By Katie McDevitt, Tribune
East Valley Tribune
A 14-year-old Ahwatukee Foothills boy was too young to drive, but that didn't stop him from trying. Phoenix police said Robert Barnes stole a stick-shift car Wednesday and went for a ride, despite having no idea how to operate the vehicle. But that was no problem, police said, because 15 to 20 friendly neighbors offered assistance. When Barnes realized he couldn't go anywhere, he stopped mid-getaway and asked residents for help. Police said the boy then got stuck in reverse, and more neighbors helped him push the car.
When Barnes still couldn't figure out how to operate the manual transmission, police said he asked 36-year-old Margarita Wood for an impromptu driving lesson. The woman, who was passing by, tried to dictate directions through the car's window, but the boy just couldn't get it.
Finally, police said, she climbed into the 2005 Scion and said, "I'll show you."
In the end, police said about 15 to 20 people unknowingly helped the boy drive away with the stolen car. Police said none realized the vehicle was stolen or that the driver was underage.
"Nobody asked why a 14-year-old is out with a vehicle and doesn't know how to drive it," said Sgt. Dave Norton. "His looks and size should've made bells and whistles go off in people's minds."
The joy ride came to an end when some city workers and other residents spotted the erratic driver and called 911. When police tracked down Barnes, officers said he wouldn't pull over at first.
He was taken into custody along with the woman teaching him to drive. She was released after she told police she "was just trying to help."
The car belonged to Barnes' friend, Karen Mealey, with whom he had been staying. Police said the woman "felt bad" and did not want to press charges against the boy, so he was given citations and released to his grandmother.
"Ms. Wood and her husband saw nothing wrong with her actions," Norton said. "We were all incredulous that somebody would jump into the car with a stranger. It is incredible that an entire neighborhood would participate in this comedy of errors."
By Katie McDevitt, Tribune
East Valley Tribune
A 14-year-old Ahwatukee Foothills boy was too young to drive, but that didn't stop him from trying. Phoenix police said Robert Barnes stole a stick-shift car Wednesday and went for a ride, despite having no idea how to operate the vehicle. But that was no problem, police said, because 15 to 20 friendly neighbors offered assistance. When Barnes realized he couldn't go anywhere, he stopped mid-getaway and asked residents for help. Police said the boy then got stuck in reverse, and more neighbors helped him push the car.
When Barnes still couldn't figure out how to operate the manual transmission, police said he asked 36-year-old Margarita Wood for an impromptu driving lesson. The woman, who was passing by, tried to dictate directions through the car's window, but the boy just couldn't get it.
Finally, police said, she climbed into the 2005 Scion and said, "I'll show you."
In the end, police said about 15 to 20 people unknowingly helped the boy drive away with the stolen car. Police said none realized the vehicle was stolen or that the driver was underage.
"Nobody asked why a 14-year-old is out with a vehicle and doesn't know how to drive it," said Sgt. Dave Norton. "His looks and size should've made bells and whistles go off in people's minds."
The joy ride came to an end when some city workers and other residents spotted the erratic driver and called 911. When police tracked down Barnes, officers said he wouldn't pull over at first.
He was taken into custody along with the woman teaching him to drive. She was released after she told police she "was just trying to help."
The car belonged to Barnes' friend, Karen Mealey, with whom he had been staying. Police said the woman "felt bad" and did not want to press charges against the boy, so he was given citations and released to his grandmother.
"Ms. Wood and her husband saw nothing wrong with her actions," Norton said. "We were all incredulous that somebody would jump into the car with a stranger. It is incredible that an entire neighborhood would participate in this comedy of errors."
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